Story By: Ishmael Barfi
The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners has expressed concern over recent discussions in the media about the environmental impact of small-scale mining.
According to the association’s general secretary, Godwin Amarh, they share Ghanaians’ concerns about pollution and environmental destruction but oppose any calls to ban small-scale mining.
He further noted that small-scale miners have high operating costs and struggle to recover gold, making it difficult for members to operate sustainably.
He emphasized that the association is responsible and comprises legitimate small-scale miners who have acquired operating licenses therefore criticized the calls to ban small-scale mining, citing the devastating impact of the 2017-2018 ban on small-scale miners who had acquired licenses.
This he said is as a result of many miners taking loans they couldn’t pay back, leading to family breakdowns and even deaths.
The association is calling on political parties to declare their stance on small scale mining and stop politicizing indigenous businesses. Amarh emphasized that a total ban on small scale mining is not the solution and instead called for collaboration to fight illegal mining operations.
The small scale miners are opposed to any plans to ban their operations and are urging the government to listen to their concerns. Amarh noted that small scale mining does not occur in forest reserves, as licenses are only issued to large scale companies.
However, individuals and entities are working in forest reserves as prospectors or recognition license holders.
The Ghana National Small Scale Miners Association is seeking a solution that balances environmental concerns with the needs of small scale miners, who are indigenous to the state and contribute to the economy.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
